Ten years. Fifty-nine projects. Countless backyards transformed. What began as a simple idea—that homeowners deserve practical, inspiring guidance for making the most of their outdoor spaces—grew into something far bigger. Hosted by landscape design expert Doug Scott, Done-In-A-Weekend Projects has spent a decade proving that a great backyard is built one weekend at a time, by people who love being outside and want a space that reflects that. To mark the milestone, we’re taking a look back at some of the projects that helped define the series—and remind us why we do what we do. Watch the full Done-In-A-Weekend Projects series here.
How to Build a Pergola
Few projects capture the spirit of Done-In-A-Weekend Projects quite like a full pergola build, and this Extreme Projects episode delivers in every way. Doug Scott joined professional builder Mike Jones over two days to frame, post, deck, and finish a stunning 10×12 pergola—proof that even ambitious outdoor structures are more achievable than most homeowners think. Whether you hire it out or tackle it yourself, this one set the bar for what a backyard transformation can look like. Watch the full Extreme Projects episode.
How to Build a DIY Vertical Garden
For homeowners who have limited garden space but plenty of ambition, the vertical garden episode opens a whole new dimension. Doug Scott shows how a simple, quick build can add serious growing space for herbs and annuals—while also doubling as a backyard design tool, helping define outdoor “rooms” with a beautiful wall of greenery. It’s one of the series’ most accessible projects, and one of its most rewarding. Watch the full build.
Discover Outdoor Flooring Ideas
Not every backyard upgrade involves power tools and lumber—sometimes it’s about laying the right foundation, literally. This episode walks homeowners through the full spectrum of outdoor flooring materials, from moss and mulch at the garden’s edge to stone and wood closer to the home. The guiding principle—less structure further from the house—gives viewers a practical framework they can apply to any yard of any style. Explore the full walkthrough.
Lawn Irrigation 101
A beautiful backyard is only as good as the care that keeps it alive, and this episode makes the case for smart irrigation. Doug teams up with Toro irrigation expert Tom Tootle to break down how modern systems work, why they save water and money, and what homeowners should consider before installing one. Quietly protecting every other project in your yard. See the full irrigation breakdown.
How to Build a Water Feature
In this Extreme Projects episode, Doug joins Greg Hutson of All Outdoor Lawn Services to document a full water feature installation—ponds, streams, waterfalls, boulders, and all—built into a hilly backyard from the ground up. Watching the space transform step by step, from a marked outline in the grass to a fully flowing landscape centerpiece, is a reminder of just how dramatically a single project can change the feel of an entire property. Watch the transformation.
What Is Lawn Striping?
Sometimes the best backyard upgrade isn’t a build at all—it’s technique. This fan-favorite episode brings in Brian Latimer to demonstrate the art of lawn striping with an Exmark zero-turn mower, demystifying those crisp, professional patterns seen on golf courses and athletic fields. The takeaway is simple: great-looking stripes come down to light, direction, and a few passes. See the technique in action.
Rain Barrel Irrigation for Small Gardens
Eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and perpetually useful—this episode checks every box for the backyard enthusiast looking to work smarter. Doug walks through building a DIY rain barrel system from scratch, showing how homeowners can capture and reuse rainwater to keep container gardens and small beds thriving all season. It’s a small build with an outsized impact, both on your plants and your water bill. Build your own rain barrel system.
How to Choose Plants for Landscaping
Every great backyard starts with the right plants in the right places, and this episode gives viewers the design vocabulary to make confident choices. Doug covers everything from sun exposure and growing zones to the layered approach of background, middle ground, and foreground plantings—plus the hands-on steps for getting them properly in the ground. It’s become one of the series’ most-referenced episodes, and for good reason: it makes the intimidating feel entirely manageable. Watch the full planting guide.
How to Build a BBQ Island
Leave it to ESPN commentator Matt Stinchcomb to bring game-day energy to an outdoor kitchen build. This crowd-pleasing Game Day Tips episode shows how to turn an ordinary grill, smoker, and cooler into a cohesive, good-looking island setup—without a contractor or a massive budget. This project turns a backyard into the place everyone wants to be on a Saturday afternoon, which is exactly what this series has always been about. Watch the full Game Day build.
